HOUSTON — Cal Raleigh, Team USA’s catcher, stated that there’s “no conflict” between him and his Seattle Mariners teammate, Randy Arozarena. This assertion came after Arozarena launched into a profanity-laced tirade when Raleigh chose not to exchange a dap before an at-bat during Monday night’s World Baseball Classic game between the United States and Mexico.
“I genuinely care for Randy. I truly do,” Raleigh affirmed. “I dislike that this has become an issue. There’s no animosity. Once we return to Seattle, he’s like family to me, my brother. I’ve already contacted him; it’s simply a fiercely competitive environment, and I know he’d expect the same from me in a team and playoff setting. Currently, my duty is to my teammates and my nation, and emotions are running high.”
Arozarena, a two-time All-Star outfielder, appeared to berate the American League MVP second-place finisher after Arozarena extended his hand toward Raleigh, but the gesture was not reciprocated in the United States’ 5-3 win against Mexico. Notably, in the 2023 WBC, U.S. catcher Will Smith had similarly ignored Arozarena’s acknowledgment prior to an at-bat.
In a conversation with Mexican journalist Luis Gilbert, conducted in Spanish, Arozarena employed offensive Cuban and Mexican colloquialisms to disparage Raleigh, suggesting he could “get lost” and “rot in hell.” Arozarena further recounted Raleigh’s greeting of “good to see you” – and then stated Raleigh “could stick it.”
Raleigh confirmed that he communicated with Arozarena on Tuesday, stating, “this is absolutely not a major issue. We are, and will remain, close friends, and I believe we’re both simply relishing the competitive spirit between us at the moment.”
It’s uncertain if Arozarena, a native of Cuba who defected to Mexico and gained citizenship in 2022, was truly angered by Raleigh or merely playfully provoking the Mariners’ standout, who last year established a catcher’s home run record with 60. The two have played together since Arozarena’s trade from Tampa Bay to Seattle in the 2024 season.
Mark DeRosa, Team USA’s manager, revealed that Raleigh had previously discussed with Arozarena the importance of avoiding situations that might displease his U.S. teammates by reciprocating Arozarena’s friendly overtures. Although Raleigh commented on the event before Team USA’s final pool-play match against Italy on Tuesday, he refrained from answering reporters’ questions after issuing his statement.
When questioned about the interaction later on Tuesday, Mariners manager Dan Wilson expressed his intention to converse with both Arozarena and Raleigh shortly.
Wilson informed reporters, as reported by The Seattle Times, “Their exceptional athleticism stems from their competitive drive, which is precisely why they’ve reached their current heights. However, I also recognize the profound affection our team members share, which is a vital component of our clubhouse dynamic. Therefore, I don’t foresee this becoming a problem whatsoever.”
Aaron Judge’s two-run home run, combined with Roman Anthony’s three-run blast, gave the United States a 5-0 advantage, a lead they maintained to inflict Mexico’s initial WBC defeat. The U.S. now boasts a 3-0 record and is scheduled to face Italy (2-0) on Tuesday evening, aiming to clinch a quarterfinal berth in Houston this weekend.
Jarren Duran contributed two home runs for Mexico (2-1), which is set to play Italy on Wednesday night in Pool B’s final game, a match likely to decide the second team progressing to the next stage.
Contributions from The Associated Press were included in this article.